FAQs

FAQs

Top Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’ve never used barbells/kettlebells/etc. before?

No problem! Our coaches will teach you the proper form and help you learn how to use these implements safely and effectively. We always start by learning the mechanics of a movement with light weight, and then develop the ability to consistently perform the movement correctly, before adding load or doing the movement at high intensity.

What’s the difference between CrossFit and a bootcamp?

A typical bootcamp consists of calisthenics-based circuit training to help you burn calories. CrossFit goes beyond that and incorporates movements from Olympic weightlifting, kettlebell training, gymnastics, and other fitness disciplines (including calisthenics) in order to not only help you burn calories but also help you reach your highest level of fitness. While a bootcamp focuses on simply elevating your heart rate, CrossFit emphasizes learning how to use your body well. Your body is a system of levers, and we focus on learning how to use those levers in the most powerful, efficient, and safe way possible. In other words, we have an unparalleled focus on learning proper technique in order to keep you safe and make you faster, stronger, and fitter.

Will I be sore?

Yep. Soreness is an indicator that your body is adapting to a new and unexpected stimulus. You’ve never worked out like this before, so you’re going to be sore. The good news is that the amount of soreness you experience after each workout decreases quickly, and we have great coaches who can help you minimize soreness with proper scaling, hydration and nutrition techniques, as well as recovery modalities such as foam rolling and myofascial release.

What are your coaches’ qualifications?

All of our coaches have earned their CrossFit Level 1 certifications, in addition to pursuing knowledge and certification from a variety of leading sources in health and fitness. You can read more about our coaches, including their certifications and other qualifications, here.

What are CrossFit Manatee’s membership rates?

Many CrossFit gyms don’t publish their prices. We do. We believe that our product is the best, and our pricing is a bargain. With your membership, you receive hands-on, personalized instruction from our coaches, access to all of our classes, and access to the most supportive and motivating fitness community you’ve ever experienced. You can find all of our membership options and rates here.

Is CrossFit dangerous?

Yes, CrossFit can be dangerous. Then again, any physical activity, from running an ultra-marathon to standing up from a chair, carries with it the risk of injury. With a well-designed program and proper instruction, such as you get at CrossFit Manatee, the risk is minimized and the rewards of exercise are maximized. When doing CrossFit, you may twist your ankle on a box jump or scrape your shins doing deadlifts, but CrossFit also helps you minimize your chances of encountering major health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

Can I lose weight doing CrossFit?

The secret to exercising for weight loss is to train at high levels of intensity. CrossFit is the best high-intensity exercise program out there, and is scalable for anyone from any level of athletic or non-athletic background. So yes, you can lose serious amounts of weight doing CrossFit.

Will weightlifting make me bulky?

Women are often concerned that lifting weights will make their bodies appear muscle-bound and masculine, but this could not be farther from the truth. Weight training jump-starts your metabolism, which helps to remove excess body fat, and increases the strength and resting tension of your muscle fibers, which is perceived as more “toned” muscles. Weight training will make you look lean and toned, but without chemical assistance, women do not have the requisite amount of testosterone necessary to “bulk” like men can when weight training.

What if I’m old? Out of Shape?

Doesn’t matter. Anyone and everyone can do CrossFit, and our coaches will help you modify each and every workout so that it’s appropriate for your level of fitness and skill. See how here.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is the most effective, most fun, and hardest exercise routine you’ll ever try. It’s also a community of people who work hard to improve themselves and each other. Check out our What is CrossFit page to find out more.

What if I have an injury or chronic condition?

We can modify each and every workout to accommodate every individual’s specific needs. Your coach will work with you in every class to determine the best way to scale the day’s work to suit your individual strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and quirks. We’ve successfully worked with members who have conditions ranging from arthritis to asthma to torn ligaments and more.

What if I can’t do a movement?

That’s ok! You didn’t learn how to walk as soon as you were born, and we don’t expect you to come in the door able to do a squat snatch or a rope climb. We have scaling options to suit each individual member’s level of skill and fitness, and help you progress toward learning the full movement.

Do I need to have previous experience?

No! We love working with beginners! Everyone has to start somewhere. Most of our incredible athletes we have started exactly where you are know, contemplating whether or not they could do it! They will be the first to tell you their starting out story and the first to welcome you into our community.

How long are CrossFit Manatee classes?

Each CrossFit Manatee class lasts 1 hour and includes a briefing about what to expect that day, warm up, foundation work, Workout of the Day (WOD) and cool down.

When are CrossFit Manatee classes?

CrossFit Manatee classes are offered 6 days a week, with open gym hours on Fridays. Take a look at our class schedule for more information.

How do I get started with CrossFit Manatee?

The first step in joining CrossFit Manatee is to come in for a free introductory session with one of our coaches. In this free session, we will introduce you to the basics of CrossFit, discuss your health and fitness goals, and evaluate your fitness “starting point.”

What does it cost to sign up?

Your introductory session is free, and after that session you’ll be put in our On Ramp program to work with our awesome coaches to prepare you for the movements and intensity of our classes, and see to how CrossFit will help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

After your On-Ramp program, you can sign up for a membership or punch card.